The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has advanced plans to acquire 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters following a beam-signing ceremony with Bell Textron in Amarillo, Texas, United States.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a NAF delegation to the ceremony, which marked a major milestone in the implementation of the Nigeria-United States defence cooperation programme.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the acquisition formed part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and strengthen Nigeria’s defence and security capabilities.
Speaking at the ceremony, Aneke said the acquisition would boost the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces and strengthen the NAF’s ability to deliver airpower in support of national security operations.
“The acquisition of the AH-1Z Viper helicopters represents an important milestone in our continuing efforts to build a more capable, professional and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force,” he said.
The Air Chief added that the programme was consistent with his command philosophy of maintaining a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering decisive airpower effects in coordination with surface forces.
He stressed that the new capabilities must translate into measurable improvements in operational effectiveness and support the country’s national security objectives.
Aneke also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his “strategic leadership, unwavering support and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defence and security architecture.”
He further acknowledged the continued cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
“Sustained defence cooperation, technical collaboration and capability development remain essential to the successful implementation of the programme,” Aneke said.
During the visit, the NAF delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five new helicopters as part of ongoing efforts to modernise Nigeria’s airpower capabilities and enhance the Armed Forces’ response to security threats.
The newly delivered platforms comprise three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisition efforts underscore the Federal Government and NAF’s push to expand modern airpower capabilities while deepening strategic defence partnerships in support of Nigeria’s national security objectives.
